Politics has become about setting a narrative which can help one to win an election or achieve political goals. It matters little whether that narrative is true, a lie, factual or fake. The narrative is instilled in supporters in such a persistent and repeated way that the supporters become very convinced of it being the only truth. As supporters become vehicle, willingly or unconsciously, to propagate this narrative through whatever means necessary, especially social media, they feel that they have a personal stake in it and its failure or defeat becomes personal defeat or failure. It is not limited to volunteer supporters only, but general public supporters also feel the same way. Any contrary argument, fact, evidence, or truth has no meaning for them. Repeated contrary arguments further harden their position and accepting mistake or correcting the course becomes almost impossible.

It is more often a trait of a populist leader; whose rhetoric and rosy promises diverts the public attention away from scrutinizing false narratives.

Prime example is Trump’s “Stop the Steal” narrative. Despite no evidence of election fraud and many courts decisions of no fraud, more than 70% of Republicans, and even some Democrats believe Biden stole the election. Unfortunately, after Trump, some other world leaders are also shamelessly following Trump’s path.

F. Sheikh

Brief Thought

Everyone knows that IK got elected in 2018 with the help of establishment and many corrupt (electables) switched sides to join PTI. These “electables” continued their corruption under the supervision, immunity, and protection of their so called “honest” leader. IK was sending NAB after corrupt opposition leaders but conveniently looked the other way when their own members were involved. Even two ministers were on Pandora list, but he never asked for their resignation, or sent NAB after them. It is worth reading one of the e mail Pervez Hoodbhoy sent in response to an article critical of him and American conspiracy; “

“Naqi Sahib: Are you saying that I have opposed Imran Khan because America tells me that? Please understand that things happen in this world for reasons of their own and not only because of America. Pakistan has had many crazed leaders but none as disgusting as this man – a man who has assiduously pampered religious fanatics, ruined education, ruined the economy, and brought a new low to politics. We are thrilled that this insatiable womanizer who now preaches morality to everyone is gone. Why are you giving America the credit for this? The credit belongs to us, the people of Pakistan. Pervez Hoodbhoy”.

In my opinion, vote of no confidence was a mistake and opposition and establishment should have waited for general election in 18 months. But I think possibly the establishment did not want to wait till next year due to critical economic situation and dangerous direction the foreign policy was moving considering most of the trade is with the West and military hardware is also dependent on West.

Opposition was trying to pass vote of no confidence since long ago and failed, but announcement by establishment of “neutrality” was greenlight to many disenchanted and disappointed MNA’s to change the sides and that changed the whole dynamics. The same “establishment” which gave us IK, realized the disastrous mistake it made and try to correct it by becoming “neutral”.

 Establishment knew that by becoming neutral which leaders will become in power-same leaders who were strongly critical of establishment for its involvement in politics, but country’s situation may be so dire that establishment concluded that they may be a lesser evil.

In my opinion, the vote of no confidence, not a wise move, but was taken as per constitution of Pakistan. What is most disappointing is that IK’s supporters are not upset against establishment because the establishment is interfering in politics and democratic values, but are upset that establishment should not be neutral and continue its support of IK by interfering in politics and democratic values.

 Unfortunately, PTI, IK, and most of its supporters do not realize that main reason the Pakistan never progressed was that establishment continue to interfere in politics, did not let politicians and political institutes to grow and get stronger. What we see Pakistan today is Pakistan shaped mostly by the establishment not by politicians.

(I noted Mirza Sahib also has posted Hoodbhoy’s email)